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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Restored Self-esteem

“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels, and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” (Proverbs 31:10)

“Why am I always messing up?” I asked the Lord, sobbing, following a terrible misunderstanding I had with someone recently who called me a few choice words. “I can’t seem to do anything right. I’m always making mistakes.”

I was crushed.

I sent a text message to one of my best friends to give her a hint about what happened. I was too upset to talk, so I told her not to call me. Just pray. Of course, she called me anyway. Tears spilled down my face as she read Psalm 59 and prayed for me.

Perfect Peace

After our call, I felt some sense of peace, so I began searching the Web for a bible study I was thinking about introducing to my women’s group — only to realize it was out of print. I called the publisher to see if it had any study guides in stock. No such luck. The gentleman on the phone suggested a similar study written by the same author.

As I read the first few pages of the excerpt online, I gasped. You are a “capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,” the Lord said. No matter what anyone thinks. You are my precious daughter. Holy. Innocent. Righteous.

Instantly, my spirit soared!

Whisper of Sweet Nothings

The Lord also said everyone makes mistakes, but don’t dwell on your shortcomings or condemn yourself. You’re forgiven and free of guilt. You’re the apple of My eye and surrounded with My favor.

I smiled from ear to ear.

The next day, I discovered a Christian bookstore that sold 8½ x 11-inch single sheets of stationery with various scripture messages on them. I saw one that featured Proverbs 31with the words “A Virtuous Woman” displayed in bold across the top. It now hangs prominently in my cubicle at work and on my bathroom wall at home as a reminder of what God says about me.

God of All Comfort

God’s Word met me right where I was that dreadful day — far down in the pit of despair. He healed my broken heart — and He promises to do the same for you. So when your world seemingly falls apart, cry out to the one who loves you perfectly. He will lift you up and give you a firm place on which to stand.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving us so much, for seeing the best in us no matter what mistakes we make or what anyone says about us. And most of all, thank you for answering us in our desperate times. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Great post Judy. He is always there for us, isn't he, and he certainly gets his message across, sometimes over and over again! So glad that you accepted the invitation and took a glimpse of yourself through his eyes. Now, your post will do the same for all who visit it. Thanks.Andie

I think one of the most difficult things to do is distinguishing when we are tearing ourself down from standing in the light of truth. Many have heard the same repeated messages from others about our value and worth. We try to forget, but at times it becomes a recorded message in our thoughts.

It's easy to say, "Don't berate yourself, it serves no useful purpose", but when self-esteem is whittled away, time and time again, it becomes more treacherous and difficult to navigate through the emotional minefields.

I'm glad that the Lord ministered grace and truth to you when it was most needed.

The power of life and death is in the tongue and we must be sure that we watch the words we say to build and not destroy. Sticks and stones can break our bones but words can destroy a nation. Thank God for His Words of Power and Restoration. He knows just what you need and when you need it. When the tears dry up you are stronger then ever!!! By His stripes you are healed from the pain.......Hallelujah

Thank you Judy for connecting with me on my photography page. I have another page too. Please visit me at http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/. I am so excited reading your page. You sound so joyful to be solving your discouragement. Thanks,Ruth

About Me

I'm a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. I'm a magazine editor, writer and book author of health and fitness and medical topics. I'm also an online Christian devotional and feature writer, and editor. I write devotionals and news articles for christiandevotions.us and everydaychristian.com, and have been published in For Better, For Worse: Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, and Anointed Magazine. I enjoy leading bible studies, photography, crockpot cooking, exercising, swimming, and socializing with friends.